Our U8 young wingmakers made the trip to Newtown on a wet morning. We started well in possession moving the ball at pace leading to many scoring within the final 3rd leading to some quality finishing.

Players of the week:

Reuben Price - Played in defensive role, constantly in control and played out at pace leading team on to the attack.

Harri Jones - Fantastic ball control work tirelessly throughout match.

The under 9s made the trip to a wet Latham Park for their fixture against Newtown. With absences between the sticks we had Roman stepping up from the under 8's in one team, giving an excellent account of himself across the morning and allowing him to experience the challenges of playing with the age above. On the other team, we asked the players to take it in turns, but in a way that they would challenge themselves to play high as an extra man, and this worked in our favour allowing us to create a defensive overload and play through and around Newtown so many times, Newtown unable to find solutions to that and we scored a lot of goals as a result of this. Our ball retention was fantastic through the first 3 quarters, staying on the ball where necessary and recognising moments to play split passes to create chances in the final 1/3. I should also mention the outstanding improvement in our counter pressure, something we've focused on a lot lately and the finer detail in the 1v1 moments out of possession. The players have really bought into that detail.

On Wednesday we attended our second futsal training session and we believe this is contributing to the technical improvements within our players and you can see those improvements in the 5v5 matches on a Saturday morning.

Players of the week:

Iestyn Davies - Iestyn's was a ball of fire all morning he was so difficult to play against - direct in possession to go and beat a player, and a ruthlessness about his game without the ball making himself hard to beat with aggression and high tempo recovery's.

Hudson Reilly - Hud, as ever, displayed a performance that was full of creativity, his football intelligence improving week on week and recognising scenarios that he can effect both with and without the ball.

The following week the Under 9s travelled to Park Hall to face TNS in this weeks academy fixture. A fast start to proceedings for the young wingmakers, combining well and applying counter pressure as a unit which was extremely satisfying to see. The boys in both teams scored excellent goals throughout the morning whilst defending well against the relentless pressure TNS applied towards the end of the games. But again, today was about our match objectives, in line with our midweek technical programme topic which was final 1/3, we asked the boys to get themselves in a position where they could get lots of shots (across goal) and crosses off and also follow in on rebounds which they certainly achieved throughout the morning. Other objectives included defensive principles getting our arm across the opposition, counter pressure and arriving on the first touch of TNS receiving the ball. A really good morning for the boys in Blue and now we look ahead to another week of positive training before we welcome CQ Nomads to the airfield.

Players of the week:

Arthur Irwin - On his debut Arthur looked like he'd been part of the team for some time, slotting into a predominantly midfield role today, he displayed great tackling attributes, combinations in wide areas and even got the goal he deserved with a great finish across the keeper. We look forward to Arthur getting to work with the lads in the coming months.

Toby Kitchen - Another day at the office for Toby, and a successful day again. In a week where Toby won the school cup playing a year above his own age, he technically excelled with and without the ball in all areas of his game against very tough opponents. A game intelligence that allows him to consistently effect the teams performance positively. Calm on the ball with decisive decision making and direct forward thinking football.

U10

Our wingmakers made the long journey down to Newtown on a wet miserable morning. The young wingmakers flew out of the blocks with several phases of play that displayed the combination play we had worked on mid week. Scoring a good early goal and creating numerous good chances but unable to finish. The middle part of the game saw our concentration levels drop slightly allowing Newtown get back into the game and scoring a couple goals against the run of play, but the Airbus players kept pushing their principles and finished strong scoring more goals and displaying team cohesion they can be proud of, especially with having no subs available, the boys worked tirelessly throughout.

Player of the week:

Kian Mills - Kian was asked to play in numerous positions today, linking up with teammates really well, being strong in tackles winning the ball back to regain possession. Kian made a lot of good decisions with the ball with keeping his head up and making good strong forward passes.

The u10s then travelled up the M6 to play Blackpool in a futsal tournament. Great morning with all the players enjoying it and putting on a great display of all their skills - that being the case they ended up winning the tournament.

Player of the week:

Freddie Argyle - A player who gave 100% from the throughout and really enjoyed the morning.

U12

The U12’s made the long trip to Aberystwyth and after good early possession took the lead on six minutes through Arthur Williams from a Harry Williams cross from the left. We continued to have good possession and created lots of chances before a goal on the break for Aberystwyth, 1-1. Airbus settled back down and regained the lead three minutes later as Dylan Griffiths poked the ball home from a cross again from Harry Williams on the left, 2-1 half time. We had good possession and territory in the early exchanges which led to a third Airbus goal smashed in by Jacob Mountain. There was more good play from the boys creating several chances and dealing with Aberystwyth on the break before a late consolation goal for Aberystwyth making the final score 3-2 to the young wingmakers. Well done boys.

Player of the week:

Harry Williams - A constant threat on the left of midfield.

U14

An early trip to Bala for the young wingmakers against a physical side that tried to make it difficult for us to play. We scored an early goal through Jack Davies to settle any nerves and followed this up with a fine team goal through Fin Geary midway through the half which involved a number of excellent switches of play. Our play in possession was dominant, but we struggled at times to show the quality that we normally expect. The 2nd half saw us change formation due to injuries & go 3-0 up through a fine left foot finish from Dylan Cusato & Harri Edwards completed the scoring with a close range header. We had numerous chances to extend our lead but we didn't take them. Bala had a chance in the 2nd half where we could have been better in possession, but were thwarted by a fine save from Bailey Davies. A comfortable result, however with the standards that we have tried attain this season - there is plenty to work on in training this week. A big thank-you to Gary Williams for stepping in to referee as no official turned up on the day.

Player of the week:

Jack Davies - Used the ball well throughout and grabbed himself a goal in the early stages of the game. Was comfortable in 2 positions and provided a problem to the opposition defenders.

U15

The U15s travelled up the Wirral to play West Kirby u16s on Saturday morning. The windy conditions didn’t stop the young wingmakers focussing on their topic of switching play. They switched the play numerous times with some double triple switches creating chances centrally. The younger lads proved their worth with a 2-0 lead at half time with Jacob Clement saving a questionable penalty. The second half saw one of the best phases of play in the game with 17-18 passes in the opposition half with the boys taking one or two touches moving the ball with quality to a shot from Stan ending the move well. A decent performance with ok phases, good phases and a couple of excellent phases to really build on. The game ended West Kirby U16s 1 - 2 Airbus

Player of the week:

Jacob Clement - With some fantastic saves and a penalty save, a clean sheet would have been great points in anyone’s fantasy football side.

U16

The final fixture against Bala for this season. With Airbus winning the previous two fixtures it was important Airbus started well and that we did. Warren Leech opened the scoring with a very well taken free kick. This was shortly doubled after Deacon struck on low driven shot from the edge of the box. Scoring our third in the first 13 minutes after Warren scored a first time finish after Harry Williams got in down the right hand side. After our electric start the game then become a little scrappy. At half time it was important that we kept on top of the game and controlled the tempo. Warren scored another two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half to put Airbus fully in the driving seat. Finally in the last 12 minutes Vaughn & Ollie rounded off the game to make it 7-0. Some very well taken goals from everyone on the day. Overall, a very professional and mature performance to show our qualities. A shout out to the two U15s, Harvey and Jack who both fitted in really well.

Player of the week:

Warren Leech - Scored his four goals but his attitude was absolutely spot on. His work rate out of possession was pleasing to see.

U19

Sunday evening saw Airbus 19’s play host to Bala 19’s under the lights. The game started well for Airbus. We controlled a lot of the ball and had chance to “polish” the movements around and away from the ball. Asking lots of questions of the opposition and coming close a number of times we finally broke the deadlock with Brad Knight on 29’ assisted by Alex Sharpe. Continuing to dominate the game pinning the opposition in their own half we won a Free Kick on the edge of the area which was calmly put away by Louis Bebbington on 45’, half time 2-0 Airbus. Second half saw the introduction of Harry Jones and James Allen making their debuts for the 19’s (as U16’s). Both players gave solid performances in their respective positions and handled themselves very maturely. Airbus did have to soak up a little pressure from the opposition who came out to make a difference and getting a goal for their hardwork in the 53’. With a big reaction needed the young wingmakers settled back in to the game and took control again, keeping the ball fantastically well..On 65’ young Harry Jones assisted Hugh Holland to calmly slot home another for Airbus. Coming close a number of times we eventually scored the fourth of the fixture through Brad Knight netting a brace assisted by Jay Hughes on 81’. We could of had more but it wasn’t supposed to be tonight final score 4-1 Airbus.

Player of the week:

Louis Bebbington - Louis is a huge character in the group and recently has suffered some unfortunate injuries. Whilst he’s been away his presence has certainly been missed. This week Louis has been training well and played a great game talking his way through the game, having a massive impact especially to the young debutants. Nicely topped off by scoring a cracking free kick just on the stroke of half time. Good to have you back Louis

Reserves:

Friday night saw the reserves travel up the road to Holywell under the lights. Keen to put right last weeks result and take home development to good use, playing another game on a heavy grass pitch, the match didn’t start the way we planned. The pitch taught us more valuable lessons and we were punished early on by an incredible solo effort in the 4’ by former Airbus player Jack Bains Hughes smashing home early and setting the tone. Airbus played their way in to the game and by the end of the first half started to settle. First half 1-0 Holywell. Forced to make some changes due to injury we started the second half like a different team. Really set the tempo and created chance after chance. Soon inevitably we put one of them away calmly on the 59’ by captain Will Gordon assisted by Robbie Jones..Pretty much in control of the game at this point Airbus kept asking question of the good Holywell side. Eventually in the 83’ Cal Hughes smashed home the second of the evening, assisted by Rob Austin. Final score 2-1 Airbus

Player of the week:

Cam Meredith - Cam is new to the group. He joins the club with a great pedigree formally from CQN and more recently Buckley. Cam is calm and intelligent on the ball creating problems for any opponent. Cam has a great attitude and know what it takes to succeed. A great character that will no doubt go places. Well done Camo!

U17 Girls

North Wales Coast FA Cup Semi-Final
Airbus U17 Girls 3 - Brickfield 2

Both teams were quickly into their stride today. After only 4 minutes Abbey was playing left back and controlled the ball beating the winger to possession, she set off on a run and beat the midfielder for pace and continued past the full back and arrowed her shot into the bottom corner. The hosts lead didn’t last long as the visitors got possession back in the box and the striker turned and put them level. The visitors were creating opportunities but just couldn’t get past the Airbus defence or keeper as the hosts were struggling to keep possession. As the saying goes teams will rue missed chances and Airbus created a move down the right which resulted in a corner. Up stepped Sophie who is an assist specialist this season. She took the corner but it was headed back to her by a defender and she seized on the opportunity to create again and found Ellie in the box to stroke it home. That was how it ended the first half 2-1 to Airbus. After a few changes the game changed in the second half with Brickfield trying to play the ball over the top to their fast forwards and scored the equaliser with the ball over the top and their fast forward ran on and despatched it clinically. The hosts continued to take on board what was said at half time and dominated the midfield. We decided to put two fast wingers as full backs which took away the threat of pace up front, but as the game was heading towards extra time Sophie got on the ball in midfield and Keira was found superbly in space and without breaking stride smashed in the winner. Our reward today is a cup final on Saturday 13th April v Henllan.

Player of the week:

Keira - Scored a great winner on the day.

Airbus U17 Girls v Brickfield
League match

It wasn’t the hosts day today. The game started well with both teams creating chances from the off. It didn’t take the visitors long to take the lead, they then doubled their lead as they broke away but the Airbus keeper failed to regather a save and their forward was alert and finished it off. They soon capitalised again on Airbus putting themselves under pressure by giving possession away just outside their box 0-3 it ended the first half. With the home team only having 12 players and no recognised striker available we pushed a midfielder forward which changed things in the second half not before the visitors went 4-0 up and a penalty save by Lilley. Then a clearance was charged down and we slotted away our first goal. The game had changed and then the hosts got another and then a minute later Keira got pushed off the ball in the box and the ref blew and pointed to the spot. Who else stepped up and slotted away for the hat trick but Keira. But as an equaliser was being pressed for the hosts fell to a sucker punch and visitors broke away to secure the points 5-3 .They couldn’t repeat the heroics of the week before of the cup semi final but they gave it a good go.

Player of the week:

Keira - 2nd time in a week named POTW. Scored a fine hat-trick on the day